Sally Scalera

Brevard County Horticulture Extension Agent
3695 Lake Drive -- Cocoa FL 32926 -- 321-633-1702

Water conservation

Oct. 11, 2008

The idea of conserving water has been around for a long time since the population continues to increase and yet there is only so much water to go around. Not only is it smart to conserve our water but also to protect the water quality of the IRL (Indian River Lagoon) and this is the topic for my classes coming up in October and November. The class is called “It’s all about the Water!” and programs are planned for Libraries around the county.

The presence of pesticides and high nutrient levels in the Indian River Lagoon are attributed to the over use of pesticides and fertilizers by homeowners. When it comes to pest control, the majority of our pests (aphids, whiteflies, scale, and mealybugs) can be controlled by biorationals such as Insecticidal Soap or Ultra-Fine Pesticidal Oil.

To control caterpillars on oleander or snowbush use a Bt product such as Thuricide. When it comes to fertilizer use, keep in mind that synthetic fertilizers have a quick release portion that, if over applied or applied right before a rain storm, can leach through the soil and into the IRL.

Another great way to protect water quality is for anyone living on a water body to create a ten foot border along the water and leave it alone. Don’t mow there, fertilize or treat for insects. This will create a buffer zone for the river, lake or pond. In addition to native plants there are a number of drought tolerant plants that come from other areas of the world that also have poor sandy soils and scarce rain. Some of those plants that come to mind are aloe, cosmos, thyme, rosemary, natal plum, bougainvillea - what a perfect plant since it blooms better with neglect – no water or fertilizer!

Many people already mulch their plants and that is a great thing because not only does it help to keep the soil moist but it also suppresses weeds. Even citrus trees benefit from mulch, just make sure that you keep the mulch 6-12 inches away from the trunk of the tree. Clear out all of the grass underneath the branches all the way out to the dripline. Mulch the entire area with a chipped mulch like pine bark nuggets, melaleuca or eucalyptus.

Other good mulches are brown leaves, grass clippings (as long as they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides) or pine needles. Those last three mentioned are great mulches because they will also promote an increase in earthworm activity. For mulch to help conserve water and suppress weeds it needs to be maintained at a depth of three to four inches deep.

A great idea for conserving water and protecting the water quality of the IRL is to collect rain water. Rain barrels are a great way to collect water because they can be connected to the downspout of your gutter. If your house doesn’t have a gutter system then the rain barrel can have the lid cut off and screening placed over the top to collect water that rushes from the roof or even just left out in the yard to collect rainwater. Rain barrels have spigots at the base so that watering cans can be filled up or a hose can be attached for watering other plants. If your roof is really large and you get too much water for one rain barrel during a storm you can connect a number of them together so that you don’t waste any of the rain water. The use of rain barrels will also reduce or eliminate the stormwater runoff from your property.

These are just a few of the topics I will cover in the class so, if you are interested here are the dates, locations and times for the classes, It’s all about the Water! For the month of October I will be at the Cocoa Beach Library on Thursday, October 2nd from 10-11 a.m., Wednesday the 15th there will be a class at the Fee Ave. Library from 10-11 a.m., on Thursday the 23rd at the Titusville Library from 10-11 a.m. and Thursday the 30th at the S. Mainland Library from 10-11 a.m. In the month of November I will be at the Suntree Library on Thursday the 6th from 2-3 p.m., on Wednesday the 19th at the Melbourne Beach Library from 10-11 a.m. and then on Thursday the 20th at the Mims/Scottsmoor Library from 2-3 p.m. The cost of the class is $5. If you are interested in attending the class just give us a call at 633-1702.